A Close Relationship

He has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

— 2 Peter 1:4

“Like parent, like child.” We hear this familiar phrase whenever a young child is seen mimicking an action that their mom or dad do, often as a habit. Sweeping hair back off their forehead. Fiddling with a pencil. Wiggling fingers. This is because parents are still—even in an era of social media and online friendships—the biggest influences on their children.

Likewise, when we accept God’s promises—His precious promises—of redemption and salvation, we can become a part of “the divine nature.” This doesn’t mean we become godlike. Instead it means that when we repent and believe in the redeeming work of His Son, we enter into an intimate, familial relationship with God. We set aside the things of this world and become reflections of Jesus Christ. His characteristics become ours.

This is a bold claim, but it is exactly what God promises us. Our faith strengthens us and allows us to turn our minds to a closer relationship with God and other believers, our brothers and sisters in the Lord. This is the family that will give us courage and hope for each day.

Today’s One Thing

Talk with one of your brothers or sisters in Christ about the characteristic of God you each want to reflect more every day.